Book excerpt: One Gingerbread Extravaganza competition. One cynical judge. One holiday-loving baker. Four challenges, and a pinch of spice ... Nate Miller has never entered a televised baking competition before. But he’s good at gingerbread, he loves flavor, he adores the holiday season, and he’d definitely like $25,000 and the publicity for Nate’s Bakes. He’s here to win -- but also to have fun and enjoy himself. Too bad one of the judges has a reputation for ice-cold critiques and precise perfection ... along with a gorgeous smile, killer cheekbones, and a delicious air of command. Marcus LeGrand knows his reputation: sharp, chilly, and demanding perfection. He’s great for ratings, and baking-show audiences love his sarcasm and his expertise. But he’s getting tired of being the bad guy, intimidating everybody, never getting close. He’s here to judge this competition, and he’ll do his job...but Nate’s persistent friendliness, terrible holiday sweaters, and decadent gingerbread just might make Marcus want a taste. The kitchen chemistry’s instant, but Nate and Marcus will have to resist temptation in order to make it through the competition ...and achieve their Gingerbread Dreams.